E87 120d Coupe - Car would crank but not start

[sicasey]

E87 120d Coupe - 2010

No prior issues, parked car up for 30 mins, went to start the car and it cranked but wouldn't start.

Multiple warnings on the dashboard, cycled through many random warning symbols.

I left the car for 10 mins, locked / unlocked and the car still wouldn't start.

Called out RAC who checked all fuses under the bonnet and behind the glove box, including fuel pump relay and all tested ok. Battery then unplugged to try and reset systems.

Now here's the weird bit - he tried plugging in two diagnostics tools via the OBD port and had no comms.

A recovery and tow home looking more likely at this point and the fear of a ££ bill at a BMW indy.

Fast forward 30 mins and he gets to the ECU (DME), all looked clean and dry but he unplugged / plugged in the DME and the car started up again.

Extremely happy this fixed the issue yesterday but can it really be that simple?

A Google search suggest this happens on various BMW models but I've not found a definitive reason / fix.

Has anyone here heard of DME comms issues before, particularly on the E87?

Cheers.

[Eddieslofart]

Many a time i've fixed a loopy BM by a battery disconnect, one a Stanstead airport where the car threw a wobbly.

Batt lead off for 10 minutes, never returned since.

[SebringMan]

Alot of code readers will not read BMW specific codes short of being something something like a Snap On Solus etc. INPA or Carly may give more useful codes to get to the heart of the problem.

[sicasey]

Thanks for the replies so far.

The diagnostics tools the RAC chap had worked fine once the car eventually started up!?

It as if in the interim the car wouldn't communicate to the ECU.

I really want to avoid this happening again, for obvious reasons.